Going Against the Flow - Living Love - Week of July 6

Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. —ROMANS 12:2, MSG

A coffee shop in Boston posts a sign near the cash register that says DON'T DO IT next to a picture of a cell phone with a red line through it. The coffee shop manager says the sign has cut down on the number of people who hold up the line while finishing a phone conversation before—or while—placing their orders.

Common courtesies have become so uncommon that many companies now hire "etiquette experts" to teach social graces in the workplace. Employers see that disrespectful attitudes and actions reduce productivity and hurt morale. They want to make changes, such as prohibiting textmessaging in meetings. Simple etiquette reminders reflect a personal and professional respect that help people build stronger relationships.

The lack of courtesy in our society gives us more of an opportunity to stand out as loving people. The Greek word ekklesia is the word most commonly translated "church" in the New Testament. It literally means "called-out ones." It describes people who have responded to the love of God and have been called out to become followers of Christ. Being called out means making the choice to love others in everyday ways. In the workplace and at home, courtesy is as simple as treating others with respect.

Action Step

What is one habit you have that shows disrespect for others? What can you do this week to change that habit?

Dr. Gary Chapman is the beloved best-selling author of The Five Love Languages and Love as a Way of Life. For more information, click here.